Are you adding variable fonts anytime soon?

[konstantnnn]

Just finished watching a WWDC session about the updates on Apple’s system font… they’re switching to a variable font file, and Im just wondering if I am going to be able to work with those new fonts once they’re released, on my iPad (and Mac). Are you guys planning to add variable font support?

[Dan C]

Hi @konstantnnn,

Apologies for the delayed response here. As far as I'm aware, we don't have any plans currently to support this format, however it's certainly something we'd like to look at for a future update

[A_B_C]

In the light of the upcoming changes to the Apple platforms, the request for variable font support seems to get more importance than it may have had in the past. I guess there will be a day when Apple decides to remove the current non-variable styles of their San Francisco UI fonts from the developers page and leave only the single variable font file for download. And when that happens, design applications that do not support variable fonts will be difficult to use for developing apps intended for the Apple ecosystem. So, in a way, I have the impression it would make sense to start looking into this. Big Sur isn’t so far away anymore. 😀

[konstantnnn]

The fonts designer guy said « we will keep non-variable versions available for about two more years » on apple.com/fonts (the video is in the WWDC app)

 

I hope Affinity will get this sorted in two years

[A_B_C]

I missed that bit of information, thank you. Two years seems to be a reasonable time frame indeed. I just had a look at the variable version of SF Pro. It’s nicely done, in particular the optical sizes. 🙂

[Alfred]

It’s not just the Apple ecosystem. Bahnschrift is already quite well established on Windows 10, and now there’s Cascadia Code, too.

 

[A_B_C]

Thanks for this hint, Alfred! 😀

[konstantnnn]

Oooh I remember playing with Bahnschrift and Myriad VAR on my version of Photoshop when they introduced Variable fonts in like 2017… good times

[Ashcat]

If I understand this correcly there is no possibility to add some fonts in ttf format in Affinity as you add brushes?

I’m working with Affinity Photo and Designer at my iPad Pro 12”

 

 

Edited September 22, 2020 by Ashcat
Forget to mention the info I’am working with

[Dan C]

2 minutes ago, Ashcat said:

If I understand this correcly there is no possibility to add some fonts in ttf format in Affinity as you add brushes?

Variable fonts (being discussed above) are different from regular TTF font files. I can confirm that 'normal' TTF fonts can be used in Affinity, simply install the font through your OS and you'll find it is available to use in any Affinity app.

For more info, please see here  - https://affinity.serif.com/store/resources-install-guide/#content:~:text=iPad%3A-,Installing fonts,Alternatively%2C you can double click on the font you wish to install and choose Install Font in the resulting dialog.

[Ashcat]

@Dan CThanks for the quick reply, it works!! 

[Slayman]

up vote this. I've had several clients recently send me illustrator files and any use of variable fonts turns into garble text.

[Ivo]

Being in the type business myself, I can agree that this topic is becoming more and more important. So adding the ability to use Variable Fonts is probably not a if-question, but a when-question. 

[Jered]

+1! Over at DesignCuts they offer quite a few variable fonts, and I just bought some. They do also ship individual files with several widths, weights etc., but somehow it’s a pity not to be able to use their full potential.

[LogosByDim]

Hi there, I also want to add my support for the variable font technology in Designer, Publisher and Photo.

+ 1 

Fonts like this one can be used if we can utilize variable fonts.

[viterzbayraku]

I agree too. The variable fonts is important for designers at the current moment.

[abarkalo]

Hi Affinity - support for variable fonts seem to be the only major feature missing from Publishers. I have many static fonts but there is often a style I cannot get without the variable sliding bars that I use in Adobe. It is really a joy and flexibility to use and hopefully it will make its way to Affinity products soon.

[ashf]

I didn't know that OTF has no Multiple Master format. so it's dead now...
Type 1 is going to be dead as well.
https://helpx.adobe.com/fonts/kb/postscript-type-1-fonts-end-of-support.html

[Flooski]

Lack of variable font support is the main reason I give when my Adobe-using colleagues ask if there are any problems migrating over.

If there were some "a bunch of people chip in £50 to Affinity to get this fixed", I'd be there with my card details. It's a real blocker to migration.

[simonlayfield]

I'd like to see support for variable fonts in AD as well. Today was the first time it was a necessity, but I expect this will become an increasing need.

There are now a significant number of variable fonts supported at Google Fonts and although the use of webfonts is somewhat unrelated, I expect this the use of variable fonts in the design sphere will become more prevalent being that they are now more widely available.

https://fonts.google.com/variablefonts

[lacerto]

(...)

[Dalibor Puljiz]

Another vote to get this implemented. Variable fonts are everywhere now.

[walt.farrell]

Voting here (in the Questions forum) does no good. The Feature Requests forum is where the planners look when planning new functions, and if voting is relevant anywhere that would be the place to vote.

However, I'm sure that voting on this one is also unnecessary. The need has been expressed many times, and (I'm sure) is understood by now.

[jamessouttar]

Just adding another voice for support for variable fonts. This is #1 on my list of priorities now.

[Ron P.]

@jamessouttar, the post by Walt, immediately before yours, points out this is a questions forum. The proper place to vote support for features, is in the Features Request Forum.